Argentina will have few complaints after leaving Venezuela with a point. La Albiceleste were involved in a rather sloppy battle for most of the evening, with Nicolas Otamendi’s goal salvaging a 1-1 draw.

A rain delay postponed the match for 30 minutes, and a waterlogged pitch seemed to favor the home team. Yet Argentina took the lead – albeit against the run of play – when Otamendi curled home from close range.

Venezuela came close shortly before half-time, Salomon Rondon’s clever volley was pushed away by reserve Albiceleste goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. They got a deserved equalizer on 65 minutes, with veteran striker Rondon rising past two defenders and heading past an outstretched Rulli.

Messi looked set to score for a second but saw his effort denied by Rafael Romo after shooting into the penalty area. Manager Lionel Scaloni switched to a back five shortly afterwards and will likely go home happy with a draw that keeps La Albiceleste largely in control of their own destiny in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

GOAL rates Argentinian players from Estadio Monumental de Maturin…